Giants come to terms with star defensive end

The Associated Press

sports@altoonamirror.com

From Mirror, wire reports

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has signed a four-year contract to remain with the New York Giants.

The team gave Pierre-Paul the franchise tag last month, and reached the long-term deal Friday. A two-time Pro Bowl player, Pierre-Paul had gotten the franchise designation for the second time in three years.

Two summers ago, on July 4, Pierre-Paul’s right hand was severely damaged in a fireworks accident in Florida. He missed the first half of that season, but JPP returned for the final eight games. He started all 12 games he played last year and has a strong finish as the Giants made the playoffs.

The 28-year-old Pierre-Paul said: “I’m back for four years and I’m ready to get after it.”

New York also re-signed backup quarterback Josh Johnson and guard John Jerry.

Lynch a Raider?

The Oakland Raiders are strongly considering the acquisition of retired running back Marshawn Lynch, either through trade or by his release, league sources told ESPN on Friday.

For now, Oakland would have to trade for Lynch because his NFL rights remain the property of the Seahawks, as he has two years remaining on his contract. Seattle general manager John Schneider and Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie have a longstanding relationship; they worked together in the Packers’ front office.

Age will be a consideration for the Raiders as they weigh adding Adrian Peterson or Lynch, but both were productive last time they competed in the league.

If Lynch unretires, Seahawks would likely be forced to release him. Under terms of his existing contract, Lynch would be in line for a $9 million salary and cap hit in 2017. In 2018, he would be due a base salary of $7 million and could potentially earn an additional $3 million roster bonus.

Neither camp would officially comment on the story that was first reported on espn.com.

Elsewhere:

n Quarterback Geno Smith has agreed to terms with the New York Giants, pending passing a physical, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Friday. The 26-year-old Smith was a second-round draft choice by the Jets in 2013, but his stint with them was marred by injuries and inconsistency. He also lost his starting job in 2015 after then-teammate IK Enemkpali broke Smith’s jaw with a punch during training camp. Smith will be a backup to Eli Manning, of course, and considering that Manning doesn’t miss games, his role might not include much field time for the Giants.

n Josh McCown might be the answer — in the short term, at least — for the quarterback-needy Jets. The free agent QB is meeting this weekend with New York, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The Jets have just the inexperienced Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg on their roster and no other quarterbacks. McCown, who’ll turn 38 on July 4, played the last two seasons with Cleveland. He appeared in 13 games for the Browns, throwing for 3,209 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But McCown was 1-10 as a starter with the Browns, including 0-3 last season, and was released last month. The well-traveled McCown has also spent time with Arizona, Detroit, Oakland, Miami, Carolina, San Francisco, Chicago and Tampa Bay — all primarily as a backup.

n The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed Frostee Rucker to a one-year contract, retaining a veteran presence on the defensive line after losing Calais Campbell in free agency. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Rucker has played 10 NFL seasons, the first six with the Cincinnati Bengals and the last four with Arizona after signing as a free agent with the Cardinals in 2013. The 33-year-old defensive tackle appeared in 13 games last season with 25 tackles and a forced fumble. His best season in Arizona was 2014, when he had a career-best five sacks and two forced fumbles.